Each matchup matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that may determine play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
